HACKENSACK, N.J. – Dan Bass, head coach of the women's fencing program, has announced he will be stepping down as head coach of the Knights at the end of the month. FDU Director of Athletics, Brad Hurlbut, has named current assistant coach and former NCAA fencing champion Alex Delaney as the new coach of the Knights.
"I cannot express how much of a privilege and honor it has been to be a part of the Knights family and to have worked with so many amazing student-athletes during my tenure," Bass said. "I am continually impressed by all that the talented young ladies who come through our program have achieved, not only on the fencing strip, but in the classroom, in the community, and in their lives after they graduate from FDU. To have had the opportunity to be a part of their development is something I will always cherish."
Bass has led the Knights to success on the strip over the past five years. Since 2016, FDU has had 16 individuals compete in NCAA Regionals. In the 2019-20 season, four Knights reached the NCAA Regionals. Among the four members was a two-time All-American, Natalia Toby. Bass helped guide Toby to three NCAA Championships during her illustrious career, earning All-American honors in 2017 and 2019. Bass coached 24 fencers over his five years at the helm.
"We thank Dan for all that he contributed to FDU and for the positive impact he made during his tenure," Hurlbut stated. "Dan truly helped transform the lives of student-athletes and we are grateful for his passion for the sport and his leadership during his time with the Knights."
Delaney, a native of Maplewood, N.J., becomes the 13th head coach in program history. He arrived at FDU as an assistant coach in 2015 and has been a key contributor to the program's recent success. He has also helped with the day-to-day operations and academic success of the fencing program.
"I want to thank University administration and athletic director Brad Hurlbut for the tremendous opportunity to be the next women's fencing head coach at FDU," Delaney said. "I am excited about the future of the program and will provide our current and new student-athletes with all of the opportunities to be successful both on and off the strip."
Before FDU, Delaney was the head coach at Livingston High School from 2011-14 and helped them reach three consecutive Final Fours. He also coached at Don Bosco Prep and Montclair Kimberley Academy from 2010-11. Delaney, a graduate of The Ohio State University, won an NCAA National Championship as a member of the 2008 Buckeyes fencing team. He was also a NJ-State Champion Medalist winner at Columbia High School.
"Alex Delaney is a perfect fit to become the next head coach of the FDU fencing program," Hurlbut said. "Under Coach Bass, Alex has learned a tremendous amount of what it takes to guide our student-athletes to the success on the strip and in the classroom."
"I can't thank my friend and college teammate, Dan Bass, enough for all he has done for the program. His faith and confidence in me means the world," Delaney said. "I know that these are difficult and uncertain times for everyone but rest assured the winning tradition will continue for our fencing program! Be safe and go Knights!"
